What Travel Insurance to Buy - Policy Holder

What Travel Insurance to Buy

The Scope of Cover and Benefits offered by different insurance companies would vary. You must shop around to ensure that you purchase a policy that you need. The following are covers that are generally provided under Travel Insurance- though the combination may vary. The list, however, is not exhaustive.

1. Medical Expenses with or without cashless facility (most travel insurance products offer cashless facility)

2. Personal Accident

3. Loss of Baggage

4. Delay in Baggage arrival

5. Loss of Passport

6. Travel Delay

7. Repatriation

8. Transportation of dead body etc.

The Sum Insured offered may vary and so would the premium rates, which would depend on the country in question, apart from other factors such as Age, Period Of Travel etc.

You must go through the exclusion clauses very thoroughly. Ask your insurer and/or agent or broker for clarifications wherever you have a doubt. In general, the following are not covered:

1. Pre-existing diseases

2. War Risks

3. Suicide and Insanity

4. Hazardous Sports

There could be some exclusions relating to personal effects.

It is very important for you to understand what to do in case a claim situation arises abroad. Generally policies provide hotline numbers where intimation of claim/s should be given. You must also notify the concerned authorities involved eg, local police, embassy, transportation company etc, as applicable. The insurer also should be notified. Normally, every travel insurance policy docket will also contain a claim form as you will be away in a distant place and may not be in a position to obtain a claim form immediately.